The Road to Vietnam

Be captivated by the famous Angkor Wat before entering Vietnam to indulge in authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Unwind on Vietnam’s white sand beaches. We take in classic Vietnamese cities, coastal delights and colourful cultures. Immerse yourself in the different ways of life on your journey through the countries.

Day 1 to 1 – Arrive Bangkok

The first day of your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. In order to allow time to relax and see some of the sights you may wish to add pre tour accommodation. On arrival please ask at the reception for information on when the pre departure meeting will be held.

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is a crazy and chaotic city! Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon pronounced or Krung Thep “city of angels” for short, Bangkok was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Bangkok is now the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers and international backpackers come and go and the streets are always buzzing and full of life.

No visit to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Khao San Road, the famous strip filled with markets, stalls, neon lights and young backpackers. From people watching to shopping, and nightlife to food and drink, this is the place to be on a night out in Bangkok. If you’re feeling adventurous you might wish to try a fried insect or two!

On a more cultural note, Bangkok also boasts hundreds of Wats (temples), with Wat Arun being the main one visited by most travellers. The Grand Palace is also a popular attraction, and for something different you can cruise along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals. Bangkok once had an elaborate network of canals and was given the nickname, ‘Venice of the East’, and although some of them have been filled in and converted to streets, many still exist today. Travelling through these canals you will see how the locals live along the riverside – you almost forget you are in a large, bustling city.

Day 2 to 3 – Siem Reap

The name Siem Reap means ‘Defeat of Siam’ – today’s Thailand – and refers to a century-old bloodbath which you can see commemorated in stone in the celebrated bas relief carvings of the monuments around the area.

You can head out on an optional excursion to the most famous temple, Angkor Wat, with a guide to give you an overview of the history and layout of the temple. Remaining time in Siem Reap can be spent at your own leisure exploring the expansive site armed with a cameras and the knowledge from a guide.

There are over one thousand temples here which attract over one million visitors annually. The temples range from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, and the site is said to be the world’s largest single religious monument.

Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 400 square kilometres.

There are superb photographic opportunities here at most times of the day so make sure your camera batteries are fully charged and your memory card is ready to go! Tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the area here, and you can hire a tuk-tuk and driver for the day if you wish. The Angkor area (in and around the Ta Prohm temple) was the site where the film Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed.

Day 4 to 5 – Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s bustling capital city with a turbulent past. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonised Cambodia during the 19th century. The city has grown from a small fishing village to what is now the industrial, commercial, cultural and historical centre of Cambodia.

Take a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a former torture centre) and the Choueng Ek Memorial at the site of the Killing Fields, to learn about one aspect of this country’s turbulent past.

Phnom Penh has many other attractions including the Russian Market and National Museum. You could also take a stroll along the river’s famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the bustling river traffic. You may wish to take a tuk-tuk ride around Phnom Penh (a tuk-tuk is a motorbike-taxi with an enclosed passenger cabin that can fit around 4 people).

Day 6 to 6 – Mekong Delta

We cross the border from Cambodia to Vietnam by travelling by boat down the Mekong River from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc. Chau Doc is our base to explore the extraordinary Mekong Delta, a region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. Life in the Mekong Delta revolves much around the river, and many of the villages are often accessible by rivers and canals rather than by road. The region produces half of the country’s rice output which is more than Japan and Korea together. You will get to spend the night in a guesthouse for a real perspective of daily life in the region, before travelling by bus to Vietnam’s capital the next day.

Accommodation: 1 night(s) in hotels

Day 7 to 8 – Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City was known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975). Originally a small fishing village, it is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country.

Traffic in the city is fairly hectic at the best of times but getting around is suprisingly easy by taxi or motorbike taxi, although drivers may not always speak English. Bus is the only form of public transport and motorbikes rule the road; there are around 3 million motorbikes cruising around the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

If you’re interested in the history of the Vietnam War make sure you visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Hall. If you’re less of a history buff and more in the mood to haggle for a bargain, don’t miss Ho Chi Minh’s largest market, the Ben Thanh Market. You can buy everything from cosmetics to live ducks here. There are also numerous food stalls at this market, and at the popular night market nearby. The food in Ho Chi Minh City is some of the best and most diverse in all of Vietnam so make sure you eat well during your stay. There are also many bars and clubs to spend your evening in.

Day 9 to 9 – Overnight sleeper bus to Nha Trang

After spending the morning in Ho Chi Minh City we board the overnight sleeper bus to beautiful Nha Trang

Accommodation: 1 night(s) on overnight sleeper buses

Day 10 to 10 – Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a popular beachside destination for many travellers and is brimming with restaurants, bars and excellent nightlife. You enjoy a boat cruise where you can swim in the surrounding crystal clear waters – try your hand at snorkelling before relaxing on deck with a refreshing drink!

Day 11 to 11 – Overnight sleeper bus to Hoi An

After some seaside play and a late night in the bars and clubs we board the overnight sleeper bus north to our next destination.

Accommodation: 1 night(s) on overnight sleeper buses

Day 12 to 13 – Hoi An

In Hoi An we have free time to explore the handicrafts, ceramics and fabrics that are sold at an abundance of markets. Hoi An is renowned for tailoring; pack your favourite item of clothing and get it copied here! We also enjoy a bike ride to Hoi an Beach passing lush paddy fields along the way. Once you’re there you can marvel at coastal views with a local beer in hand

Day 14 to 14 – Hue

We depart Hoi An and travel north to Hue. The drive takes us across the Marble Mountains and via the scenic Hai van Pass. There are stunning views to take in of the surrounding coastline and rice paddies.

Once the capital of Vietnam (during the Nguen Dynasty in 1802-1945), Hue is situated on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bustling, lively place with many things to see and do. Hue is renowned for its monuments temples, pagodas and architecture. The Imperial City, often likened to the Forbidden City in Beijing (and sometimes referred to as the Forbidden City as well), is well worth a visit. Hue also offers many Buddhist pagodas and markets to explore if you just feel like soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Optional Excursions: Hue Imperial City- UND 150,000

Accommodation: 1 night(s) in hostels

Day 15 to 15 – Overnight train to Hanoi

This evening we will board an overnight sleeper train to the bustling city of Hanoi

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